A recent study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Public Health found that being underweight increases the risk of death for both adults and fetuses. Adults with a BMI under 18.5 are 1.8 times more likely to die than those with a normal BMI, while obesity is associated with a 1.2-1.3 times higher risk of mortality.
A new study found that mothers' levels of physical activity are closely related to those of their preschool children. Only 53% of mothers engaged in 30 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity at least once a week, with the amount of activity a mother and her child did each day being highly correlated.
Patients co-infected with HIV and hepatitis C have an 80 percent higher rate of decompensated cirrhosis than hepatitis C-only patients. Even when ART is effective, they still experience a 60 percent higher risk of serious liver disease compared to those with hepatitis C alone.
Researchers found significant variations in definitions and isolation procedures for multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria across hospitals. The inconsistent detection and treatment practices may hinder communication between healthcare centers, contributing to the spread of these deadly pathogens.
A new study found that more than 80% of raw chicken used in hospitals was contaminated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria, posing a significant risk to patients and staff. However, robust food safety measures taken by hospital kitchen staff were able to prevent the spread of these pathogens.
A recent analysis found that frequent experiences of racism were associated with a higher risk of obesity among African American women. Women who reported consistently high experiences of racism over a 12-year period were 69% more likely to become obese compared to those in the lowest category.
Dr. Curtis Harris is being recognized for his landmark scientific contributions to the fields of integrative and molecular epidemiology of human cancer and cancer biomarkers. His research has significantly impacted the field of cancer risk assessment and our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of human cancer.
Researchers at UCLA found a significant link between the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy and an increased risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. The study, which examined data from over 64,000 mothers and their children, suggests that long-term acetaminophen use may disrupt fetal brain development an...
A study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that cancer patients seeking information from non-clinician sources were more likely to receive PET scans. The study suggests that exposure to cancer-related information and promotional materials may drive the use of unnecessary imaging procedures.
A University of Florida study found that exposure to four air pollutants during pregnancy increases the risk of developing high blood pressure disorder. The researchers analyzed data from over 22,000 pregnant women and found a significant association between air pollution exposure and hypertension.
A study found that well-child visits are associated with a higher risk of flu-like illnesses in children and family members within two weeks of the visit. The research estimated that this increased risk translates to over 700,000 potentially avoidable illnesses each year.
A West Virginia outpatient oncology clinic experienced a rare outbreak of Tsukamurella bloodstream infections in 2011-2012, attributed to improper handling of intravenous saline. The outbreak led to changes in infection control practices, including the use of pre-packaged manufactured saline flushes.
Researchers found significant disparity in US emergency department (ED) adoption of contact precautions policies, with only specific organisms prompting measures, not symptoms. The study highlights the need for EDs to implement standardized policies to protect patients and staff.
Non-alcohol drug prevalence in fatally injured drivers has increased significantly, particularly for marijuana, which tripled in 10-year period, according to Columbia University researchers studying toxicological testing data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Research found that women deficient in vitamin D during the first 26 weeks of pregnancy may be at risk of developing severe preeclampsia. Vitamin D sufficiency was associated with a 40% reduction in risk of severe preeclampsia, but not mild preeclampsia.
The study found that FRAX was widely used in North America and Europe, but its uptake varied greatly across countries. Countries with high FRAX use per capita included the USA, UK, Canada, and Switzerland, while many African and South East Asian countries had low or no usage.
A new study found that high levels of depressive symptoms are associated with an increased risk of developing adult-onset asthma in African-American women. Women with depressive symptom scores of 16 or higher had a two-fold increase in asthma incidence compared to those with lower scores.
Research found significantly higher levels of infectious pathogens in water from faucet taps with aerators compared to deeper in the plumbing system. Contaminated water threatens immunocompromised patients with increased infection risk.
New guidance from SHEA recommends practices to prevent transmission of pathogens, including adopting a 'bare below the elbows' approach and laundering apparel after daily use. The guidance aims to close knowledge gaps in infection prevention related to HCP attire.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University found that socioeconomic status is a strong predictor of higher risk of disease and death after a heart attack. Poor patients are more likely to become frail, have lower socioeconomic status, and experience poorer access to healthcare.
A new study found that preoperative antibiotic therapy administered within two hours of cardiac surgery decreased the risk of developing surgical site infections (SSIs) significantly. SSIs were less common among patients who received prophylaxis during the optimized period than those who received it at a different time.
A new study found that nearly one in four healthcare workers' hands were contaminated with C. difficile spores after routine care of patients infected with the bacteria. Effective hand hygiene is crucial to prevent the spread of this highly contagious bacteria.
A new study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that men who continued to smoke after a cancer diagnosis had a 59% increased risk of death compared to those who quit. Quitting smoking can also significantly reduce the risk of death for specific types of cancer, such as bladder, lung, and colorectal cancers.
A study found that 74.8% of obese patients were poor sleepers, with significant associations between sleep quality and mood disturbance, as well as anxiety and depression. The study highlights the importance of screening for sleep problems in individuals with severe obesity to improve quality of life.
A study by USC scientists found that air pollution exposure amplifies the risk of developing autism spectrum disorder in children who carry a genetic variant associated with the disorder. The research, published in Epidemiology, suggests that gene-environment interactions play a significant role in autism risk.
A new study found that men with a specific genetic mutation are more than 50% likely to die from prostate cancer if they're overweight or obese. The researchers analyzed data on 1,243 participants and discovered that obesity was linked to higher levels of insulin and growth factor receptors in tumors containing the mutation.
Research suggests that women who test negative for BRCA2 mutations but have a family history are still at higher risk of developing breast cancer, with a fourfold increased risk compared to the general population. The study found that genetic factors other than BRCA-related genes may contribute to this increased risk.
Postmenopausal women who consumed sugar-sweetened beverages had a higher risk of developing the most common type of endometrial cancer compared to those who did not drink such beverages. The study found that women who drank more sugar-sweetened beverages had an increased risk, with the highest intake being associated with a 78% higher ...
The MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit will conduct cutting-edge research to improve understanding of biological mechanisms and environmental factors underlying common diseases. Researchers will develop novel approaches to analyze data from 'omics' technologies and identify true causes of disease.
The New York State Department of Health awards Montefiore Medical Center a $1.17 million grant to support the Center for Comparative Effectiveness Research, focused on economically underserved populations. The grant will help train physician researchers and generate synergy among clinical researchers to compare treatment options.
Researchers found that surgical patients in US children's hospitals account for 43% of all antibiotic use, with pneumonia, appendicitis, cystic fibrosis, and skin infections being high-usage conditions. The studies provide insights into antibiotic resistance patterns and opportunities for targeted antimicrobial stewardship efforts.
Researchers found that addressing childhood deprivation is essential to prevent damaging health behaviors in adulthood. The study, based on a 1946 birth cohort, reveals that social and economic inequalities in early life significantly impact mortality in later life.
Studies reveal that comorbidities like diabetes and cardiovascular disease decrease one- and five-year survival rates for breast cancer patients. This indicates the need to reevaluate treatment approaches and optimize care for patients with concurrent diseases.
African Americans with APOL1 gene variant experience faster chronic kidney disease progression and increased risk of kidney failure compared to those without the variant. The study found that APOL1 risk variants increase CKD progression in African Americans, regardless of their diabetes status.
Genetic variants in the APOL1 gene increase the risk of kidney disease progression and end-stage renal disease in African Americans. Approximately 1 in 10 blacks possess high-risk variants, which speed up kidney disease progression and substantially increase the risk of developing kidney failure.
A Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center-led study has found a link between two organochlorine pesticides and an increased risk of endometriosis. Women with higher exposures to these pesticides had a 30- to 70-percent increase in endometriosis risk, according to the study.
Gary M. Shaw receives Agnes Higgins Award for his research on human birth defects, highlighting the link between prenatal nutrition and increased risk of birth defects. The award recognizes Dr. Shaw's efforts to improve maternal nutrition and baby health.
A prospective study found that improved periodontal health slows atherosclerosis progression, while worsening infections parallel increased risk for coronary events. The study suggests a clear relationship between mouth bacteria and thickening of the carotid artery.
A study found that African-American and Puerto Rican women with low vitamin D levels during pregnancy are at higher risk of preterm birth. Vitamin D deficiency was strongly associated with damage to the placenta, a key factor in preterm births.
A Rhode Island Hospital study observed staff on 161,526 occasions and found that hand hygiene compliance improved from 60% to 89% between July 2008 and December 2012. The investigators noted increased compliance when healthcare workers were leaving patient rooms or caring for patients during the evening shift.
Researchers will investigate links between substance abuse and HIV among Latino and African-American men who have sex with men. The MASCULINE study aims to determine how substance use affects HIV transmission and treatment outcomes.
A study found that treating asymptomatic urinary tract infections with antibiotics does not decrease the risk of bloodstream infection or mortality. Only a small percentage of patients who developed bacteria in their blood had it originating from the urinary tract.
A large-scale genome-wide association study identified four genetic variants associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer and its precursor, Barrett's esophagus. The study pooled data from over 8,000 participants and found that the genetic variants were more strongly linked to early stages of disease development.
Researchers used viral sequence data to estimate HIV transmission rates, death rates, and susceptible population sizes within clusters, gaining insight into rapid spread and slowdowns. The model can predict future changes in infected and susceptible individuals, guiding public health strategies.
A study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that walking for at least seven hours a week reduced breast cancer risk by 14% in postmenopausal women. Women who engaged in vigorous physical activity daily had a 25% lower risk of breast cancer.
A recent study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that rural cancer survivors are 66% more likely to forgo medical care and 54% more likely to forgo dental care because of financial concerns. This disparity suggests that health insurance coverage alone may not ensure equal access to healthcare.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests a strong association between prenatal tobacco exposure and an increased risk of developing bipolar disorder (BD) in adult children. The study, which analyzed data from the Child Health and Development Study, found that maternal smoking during pregnancy was associat...
The Joslin Diabetes Center will conduct a clinical trial to evaluate the benefits of allopurinol in reducing kidney function loss among people with type 1 diabetes. The five-year trial aims to determine if high serum uric acid levels are the cause of diabetic kidney disease.
A new study at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that drivers who test positive for drugs are three times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash. The study also showed that the combination of alcohol and drugs increases the risk by 23 times, making drugged driving a critical safety issue.
Researchers analyzed blood samples from over 1800 participants and found that specific DNA segments were associated with altered metabolic processes. The study provides new insights into how lifestyle factors impact metabolism via epigenetic changes.
A new study reveals that patients placed in Contact Precautions were twice as likely to report perceived problems with care compared to those without. The common infection control practice was found to create a negative perception of care, affecting patient satisfaction.
The new guidelines provide standardized guidance and educate staff and volunteers on the principles of infection prevention to reduce the risk of infection for children and families in pediatric residential settings. The guidelines include practices such as standard precautions, health screening, and mandatory vaccination practices.
A new study from Boston University's Slone Epidemiology Center found no evidence to support suggestions of increased risks of certain birth defects associated with antihistamine use in pregnancy. The study considered over 20,000 new mothers and commonly-used antihistamines available OTC or by prescription.
The landmark study discovered four novel gene variations linked to blood pressure in African-Americans, which also show associations across other populations. Genetic factors account for 40-50% of individuals' susceptibility to hypertension.
A recent study published in Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health found that men are at a higher risk of developing physical illnesses compared to women. Having a mental illness increases the risk by 10 times, with women experiencing a physical illness a year earlier than men.
A LSUHSC study found significant racial and ethnic disparities in the incidence of soft tissue sarcomas among adolescents and young adults. The research revealed that African-American and Hispanic males were more likely to develop certain types of cancer, such as Kaposi sarcoma and liposarcoma.
Researchers used clustering techniques to analyze 300 patient cases and identify specific risk factors associated with heart attack risk. Key findings include the importance of age, gender, and lifestyle habits in determining cardiac risk levels.
Research from Boston University found that African-American women who reported frequent experiences of racism were more likely to develop adult-onset asthma. The study, which followed 38,142 women over 14 years, also discovered a significant link between increased racism and asthma incidence.
Researchers found that a gene related to vitamin D action, measured at birth, predicts bone density in children by four years of age. Vitamin D levels during pregnancy are also linked to the gene's activity.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 23 studies reveals that hospitalized patients with PICCs are just as likely to develop bloodstream infections as those with other types of CVCs. The study highlights the need for adherence to proven prevention strategies in non-critical care settings.